Scanning Optical Device Partition Wall Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses face contamination issues with the scanning optical device due to toner particles adhering to the light outputting section, which affects the radiation of laser light and results in defective images, especially when a partition wall is used to separate the photoreceptor and the scanning optical device, increasing the apparatus size.
Innovation Solution
A scanning optical device with a projection that extends through the partition wall towards the photoreceptor, containing a polygon motor and optical system, which separates the light outputting section from the photoreceptor, preventing contamination by maintaining a distance and allowing for reduced apparatus size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a partition wall is provided between the photoreceptor and scanning optical device to prevent contamination, then contamination prevention is improved, but the distance between components increases resulting in increased apparatus size
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning optical device is segmented into two functional zones: the light outputting section remains behind the partition wall for protection, while the projection section extends through the partition wall to perform scanning. This segmentation allows contamination prevention while maintaining compact scanning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection section extends in the radial direction through the partition wall, utilizing the radial dimension of the drum structure. This dimensional approach allows the scanning function to reach the photoreceptor surface without increasing the axial distance between components.
2Volume of stationary object
If the light outputting section projects through the partition wall toward the photoreceptor to reduce apparatus size, then apparatus size is reduced, but toner particles may adhere to the light outputting section causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning optical device is divided into a protected light outputting section behind the partition wall and an exposed projection section with the polygon mirror. This segmentation allows the light source and optical system to remain protected while the scanning function extends toward the photoreceptor.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall acts as an intermediary barrier that selectively allows the projection section to extend through it. This intermediary structure provides physical protection for the light outputting section while permitting the scanning function to operate close to the photoreceptor surface.
3Device complexity
If the polygon motor is disposed close to the light outputting section for compact design, then device complexity is reduced, but heat from the motor may influence optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The projection section is given special thermal properties by providing heat radiation shields and heat dissipation structures specifically in that region. This local quality approach allows compact arrangement while protecting optical components from motor heat through localized thermal management.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Prevents contamination of the light outputting section, ensuring consistent laser light radiation and reducing the overall size of the image forming apparatus, while allowing for effective cooling and reduced heat influence on optical components.
Implementation Method 1
a polygon motor that rotates a polygon mirror to reflect the laser light
Implementation Method 2
an optical system that changes a traveling direction of the laser light from the light source to allow the laser light to travel to the light outputting section
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning optical device that scans a photoreceptor with laser light includes a light source, a light outputting section, and a projection. The laser light from the light source is output through the light outputting section so that the photoreceptor is irradiated with the laser light. The projection projects through a partition wall toward the photoreceptor. The light outputting section is disposed in a position separated from the photoreceptor by the partition wall. The projection contains a polygon motor that rotates a polygon mirror to reflect the laser light.